Join the protectors and get cheap rent
IT has been described as a ‘nomadic lifestyle’ that isn’t for everyone.
There are upwards of 10,000 people living as ‘property guardians’ in unoccupied properties across Britain, according to reports.
These include disused offices, former police stations, hunting lodges, former hospitals, residential homes, pubs and hotels.
Becoming a property guardian allows people to save hundreds of pounds on rent every month. And, in turn, landlords can avoid having squatters or vandals wrecking their disused properties.
The business model has been popular in big cities and has spread to parts of Yorkshire.
The company Ad Hoc has previously offered space in office blocks in Halifax and former nursing homes.
Currently on the books is a country cottage in Netherton, Huddersfield, with most of the rooms already taken.
An available double room with en suite bathroom is £375 per calendar month and that includes all gas, electric, water and council tax bills.
Ad Hoc says the rooms are unfurnished, adding: “Why is the price so good? Because this living space is part of a property guardian scheme. You will occupy the property on a monthly rolling license agreement.
“It’s flexible. So, we only have to give each other 28 days’ notice.
“As a live-in property guardian you not only get affordable accommodation on flexible terms, you’re also doing your bit for the community by protecting this property (simply by living in it).”
In order to be a guardian, you have to be 18 and over, employed and not have any children or pets living with you, although goldfish are fine.
You also can’t smoke inside the property.
The downside is that you won’t know how long you can stay.
Ad Hoc says: “As a property guardian you will occupy the property on a license agreement, not a tenancy.”